#Letters to the Editor — Jan. 1, 2021

The Issue: Incoming city Comptroller Brad Lander taking an NYPD security detail.

As of Dec. 26, The Bronx has endured a 35 percent increase in murder, an 11 percent increase in rape, a 14 percent increase in robberies, a 6 percent increase in felony assaults, 13 percent increase in grand larcenies, a whopping 47 percent increase in auto thefts and an 11 percent increase in total crime (“Cops for ‘Defund’ backer,” Dec. 29).

Yet incoming city Comptroller Brad Lander believes moving public safety dollars into social programs is a good idea. He sees “no contradiction” in accepting a personal security detail from the NYPD, an agency he wishes to defund.

His blatant hypocrisy is evidenced by his lack of credibility and a loss of empathy for the victims in the highest crime areas.

Ed Young, The Bronx

Otto von Bismarck, Germany’s first-ever chancellor, stated that politics is the art of the possible, the attainable and the art of the next best. Well, for some politicians today, politics seems to be the art of hypocrisy.

Lander campaigned to defund the police but is now happy to take advantage of a police-security detail that amounts to 12 to 14 officers per week.

Lander and those of similar ilk, such as those who petition for more public housing as long as it’s not in their neighborhoods, are hypocrites.

These types like to drink copiously from the chalice of self-aggrandizement.

Frank Brady, Yonkers

I wonder how many cops are assigned to protection details for local and federal politicians.

While citizens in the outer boroughs forget what a patrol car looks like, it’s up to the NYPD to provide protection for the comptroller, public advocate, council speaker and how many more?

Riders are taking their lives into their hands entering the subway system while cops are chauffeuring politicians’ kids to school.

There was a time when the only police protection detail was for the office of the mayor. I hope incoming Mayor Eric Adams will look into the “free ride” travesty and rightfully eliminate it.

Patrick O’Connor, The Bronx

Please explain to me why on earth the comptroller needs a security detail of police officers?

This hypocrite has called for slashing the police budget. Let some social workers provide security for him.

I am tired of having these elected officials who say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” I’m tired of them living large on my tax payments.

Kim Cody, Whitestone

The Issue: The United Federation of Teachers’ push to close down in-person learning due to Omicron.

United Federation of Teachers president Michael Mulgrew, along with a incoming Comptroller Brad Lander, must be denied in their apparent attempt to shut down in- school learning (“Reject the unions for kids’ sake,” Editorial, Dec. 29).

The science does not support their desire to force children into Zoom education.

They must be made to understand that teachers are essential workers. Policemen, firemen, sanitation workers and teachers cannot shirk their essential duties. It’s all about the kids, right, Mul­grew?

Saul Mishaan, Brooklyn

The UFT once again wants to shut down schools because of the Omicron variant.

The science shows children aren’t as affected, but that doesn’t stop the Democratic-backed UFT leaders from crushing the education system.

Teachers getting paid for staying home is a great deal for them, so why not stay home for the winter? The kids suffer, and parents have to deal with this.

Vincent Conti, Staten Island

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy and style.